A growing number of Americans are faced with financial burdens when it comes to purchasing their medication.

A growing number of Americans are faced with financial burdens when it comes to purchasing their medication.

In 2025, the burden of affording prescription medications has become a significant issue for many Americans, with high drug prices, the practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), limited access to affordable medications, regulatory challenges, and economic factors all contributing to the problem.

According to a recent survey, 75% of people used at least one non-traditional resource to afford their medications in 2025, an increase from 70% in the previous year. This trend is evident in various ways, with 18% of Americans borrowing money from friends or family, 6% taking out loans, and 12.9% replacing prescriptions with over-the-counter medications or supplements.

One of the primary reasons for these struggles is the high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S., which are significantly more expensive compared to other high-income countries. This disparity is partly due to the lack of centralized price negotiations and regulatory price ceilings in the U.S.

PBMs, which manage prescription drug negotiations between pharmacies and health plans, have also been criticized for their opaque pricing practices and overcharging health plans, which can inflate costs for patients.

Despite efforts to lower costs, such as President Trump's executive orders and initiatives like HRSA's actions to reduce costs for essential medications, many Americans still face barriers in accessing affordable prescription drugs. Executive orders like the Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing policy aim to reduce U.S. drug prices by aligning them with international prices. However, these efforts face legal and industry challenges, which can delay meaningful price reductions.

The economic factors, such as the rising cost of living and healthcare expenses, also make it difficult for many Americans to afford essential medications even with some cost-saving measures in place.

In response to these challenges, many Americans are taking their healthcare into their own hands by seeking out discount programs, using manufacturer copay cards, and talking to their healthcare professional about the cost of care. According to GoodRx Research, 67% of Americans who filled a prescription in 2025 described the cost of their medication as a burden.

In 2025, 38% of people surveyed worried about being able to afford their medications, up significantly from 27% in 2024. Moreover, 42% of Americans reported taking some kind of financial action due to healthcare costs in 2025, up from 39% in 2024.

This financial strain has led many Americans to make sacrifices in other areas of life. In 2025, 28% of Americans reduced spending on leisure activities, while 29% cut spending on food or clothing. Additionally, 38% of people said they used a prescription discount card or coupon, and 25% of Americans took on credit card debt to cover healthcare expenses.

Expanding resources to improve medication access and affordability is an important first step towards alleviating this burden for millions of Americans. It is crucial for policymakers, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies to work together to find solutions that make prescription medications more affordable and accessible for all.

1. Science plays a vital role in discovering new treatments and therapies for chronic medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.
2. Workplace-wellness programs are essential in promoting better health and wellness, which can help employees manage chronic diseases more effectively.
3. The rising cost of cancer treatments contributes to the burden of prescription medications, as many patients struggle to afford life-saving treatments.
4. Respiratory conditions, like asthma, require regular medication, which can be costly for patients and contribute to the issue of medication affordability.
5. Digestive health is of utmost importance, and prescription medications can help manage digestive diseases, but high costs limit access for many individuals.
6. Eye-health is crucial for overall wellness, and prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses can be expensive. Affordable options are needed to ensure everyone has access to proper eye care.
7. Hearing loss therapies are essential for many individuals, but the high cost can make them inaccessible for some.
8. Health and wellness are interconnected, and fitness and exercise can help manage mental and physical health, reducing the need for prescription medications.
9. Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can require costly treatments and medications.
10. Mental health is an important aspect of overall health, and prescription medications can help manage conditions like depression and anxiety.
11. Skin care products can be expensive, with some prescription medications needed to treat skin conditions.
12. Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining health, and affordable access to nutritious food can help reduce the need for prescription medications.
13. Cardiovascular health is essential for overall wellbeing, and medications are often needed to manage conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
14. Medicare provides affordable healthcare coverage for individuals aged 65 and over, but the burden of prescription drug costs can still be significant.
15. Financial struggles can impact one's ability to pay for medications, and many people have turned to borrowing from friends and family, taking out loans, or replacing prescriptions with over-the-counter alternatives to save money.
16. Wealth management can help individuals effectively manage their personal finance, which may include strategies for saving, debt management, and budgeting to afford necessary medications.
17. Personal finance is closely tied to health, as financial struggles can impact one's ability to afford essential medications.
18. Saving money can help individuals afford medications, with strategies like setting aside money each month or finding ways to reduce spending on luxury items.
19. Debt management is essential for individuals struggling with medical expenses, as strategies like paying off high-interest debt or refinancing loans can help alleviate the burden.
20. Budgeting is a crucial skill for managing personal finances, as it can help individuals allocate funds effectively and find ways to save on expenses.
21. Education and self-development can help individuals improve their personal growth and career development, boosting their earning potential and ability to afford medications.
22. Mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and improve mental health, which may aid in managing chronic medical conditions and reducing the need for prescription medications.
23. Productivity can be improved through career development, job-search strategies, and goal-setting, potentially leading to higher earning potential and better access to healthcare.
24. Skills training can help individuals improve their employability, career growth, and financial stability, which can help offset the burden of prescription medication costs.
25. Sports, such as football, basketball, hockey, golf, tennis, and auto racing, can be both enjoyable and beneficial for physical health, but they can also be costly for participants.
26. The NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, and racing organizations offer various career opportunities in sports, including sports analysis and management.
27. The Masters, Grand Prix, and horse racing events draw large crowds and significant investment, but these expenses can contribute to the overall financial strain faced by many Americans.
28. NCAA basketball, football, and tennis provide opportunities for student-athletes to receive scholarships and funding for education, which can help offset the cost of prescription medications.
29. Mixed martial arts is a growing sport with various career opportunities, but it requires significant training and investment, adding to the financial burden faced by many individuals.

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